Melody's POV
I nodded and signed to Dorian, "Don't do that again."
He mistook my distant expression for lingering anger.
"I don't actually like her," he said, grabbing my hand. "Being with her right now is just a temporary measure. Wait for me, okay, Mel?"
He looked at me earnestly, his gaze sincere.
It was too cold outside, and I couldn't help sniffling. Frowning, he took off the scarf around his neck and draped it over me.
In the moonlight, with the snow reflecting around us, I could clearly see some telltale red marks on his neck.
I might be mute, but I still understood that those marks could only be left after the most intimate acts. So, I avoided his gaze and didn't respond.
Dorian kept pressing, "Mute girl, what does shaking your head mean?"
My steps faltered. He only called me that when he was anxious.
"Are you saying you don't mind, or that you don't forgive me?"
I pressed my lips together and continued walking.
He chased after me and asked, "Mel, did my mom say something to you just now? Is that why you're ignoring me?"
I sighed and quickly signed, "No, I'm just cold and want to go home. I've gotten used to drinking herbal medicine now. I don't need candy anymore."
I pushed the box of candy into his hands. "Keep these for your girlfriend."
With that, I quickened my steps, so I didn't see him standing there frozen in place, holding the box of candy.
But I heard him shouting behind me, "Trust me, Melody Fowler! Once the Cambor family's funding comes through, I'll come back to you immediately and protect you! You have to wait for me!"
The world around me was silent. I heard every word clearly, but my footsteps never stopped.
"Dorian Harmon, I don't believe you anymore," I thought to myself.
My parents were heading back to our hometown the next day. I just wanted to cherish the time I had left with them.
When I got home, Mom happily told me that they'd already found a suitable storefront. They'd also asked Mrs. Harmon for leave and planned to go home to apply for a business license.
Looking at my parents, full of energy and enthusiasm, I signed my encouragement, "Mom, Dad, I hope the business does really well."
Mom placed a piece of braised pork onto my plate, her voice full of reluctance. "We're still worried about you, Melody. Once we get the business license, we probably won't be coming back to Liddingston much.
"You've always been a picky eater since you were a kid. I'm not even sure if you'll get used to the cafeteria food.
"Also, even though the weather's getting cold now, you might still sweat after PE class. If you took your jacket off beforehand, make sure you put it back on right away. Don't catch a cold."
Mom continued rambling on, whereas Dad said nothing. He just handed me a bankbook.
"Mel, this is our savings over the years. We've set aside what we need for opening the store, so there's not much left, but there should be enough to cover your treatment costs for several years.
"Once we go back home, you have to remember to go for your follow-ups as scheduled. You can already make simple sounds now, so you definitely can't skip the treatments just to save money."
Each of their words hit me, one after another, making the tears already brimming in my eyes nearly spill over.
I could only grip my fork tightly and lower my head, desperately shoveling food into my mouth.
Mom noticed something was off with my mood. "What's wrong, Mel?"
I shook my head, then took out my transfer application.
"Mom, Dad, I want to go back home with you," I signed. "I can't bear to be apart from you."
Mom immediately nodded happily when she heard this.
"Your dad and I were hoping you'd come back with us, too. You can't speak, and we won't be at your side… And you've always been the type to only share the good news and keep the bad to yourself. We can't help but worry that you'll be bullied and we won't even know about it."
As she spoke, she started tearing up as well. I threw myself in her arms and cried so hard until I could barely catch my breath.
…
Early the next morning, I saw my parents off at the door.
Coincidentally, we ran into Dorian.
